How to Use Biologics to Treat Arthritis

Biologics first came on the scene in arthritis treatment in 1998, with the introduction of Enbrel. The next year, Remicade was approved for use by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Finally, Humira came onto the market in the early part of the twenty-first century. All of these drugs work by suppressing the immune system, which causes a reduction in swelling and inflammation in the joints. Biologics are also quite effective at slowing, and even stopping, joint destruction. If you have arthritis, you should learn how to use biologics to treat it. Read on to learn more about how to use Biologics to treat arthritis.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Pre-authorization form
• Prescription for biologics
• Blood tests

1. Discuss the various biologics with your doctor to determine the right one for you.
2. Get pre-authorization from your insurance company for the biologics you will be taking. Biologics are expensive medications and most insurance companies will not pay for them without pre-authorization, which requires a prescription from your doctor.
3. Learn how to give yourself subcutaneous injections if you'll be using Enbrel or Humira. Both of these drugs are administered by an injection you give yourself at home two to three times a week.
4. Schedule a day off work every other month if you are going to get Remicade. Remicade is administered via IV in your doctor's office or a hospital every 8 weeks.
5. Undergo regular blood tests to make sure the biologics are not causing any stress on your liver or producing unseen side effects. If you are getting Remicade, blood will usually be drawn for testing when you go in for your IV. For users of Enbrel and Humira, regular doctor's appointments will have to be made for this purpose.

Tips & Warnings

• Get a tuberculosis test or chest x-ray prior to starting Remicade treatment. You cannot take Remicade if you test positive for tuberculosis.
• If one biologic does not work to treat the arthritis, you can try to use another. While all biologics work by similar means, the drugs in this class don't always produce the same results in an individual person. For example, if Remicade does not work for you, Humira might.
• Remicade is almost always given in conjunction with methotrexate. This is to prevent your body from developing antibodies to the Remicade.
• When getting a Remicade infusion, you will usually be pre-medicated with some sort of antihistamine. This is to reduce the risk of allergic reactions, which are more common in Remicade than in other biologics.
• Do not take biologics if your immune system is already compromised. Biologics can cause an increased risk of infections.
• If you've been off Remicade for a while, your chances of having an allergic reaction to it increase if you go back on it. If you're starting Remicade again after a break, make sure your physician knows this.